North Dakota

With miles of sweeping plains and awe-inspiring landscape, North Dakota has a history of awakening the pioneer spirit in its visitors – including a future U.S. president.

“It was here that the romance of my life began,” said President Theodore Roosevelt of his time spent in what is now the state of North Dakota. Roosevelt arrived in Dakota Territory in 1883 as the wealthy, sheltered son of one of New York society’s most prominent families. He left a rugged outdoor adventurer, transformed by his experiences on the untamed Dakota frontier. Today, visitors to North Dakota can still enjoy the transformative experience that comes from living life amid the stark beauty of the American West.

Fittingly, one of the most popular places to do just that is in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Hiking, camping and wildlife viewing are just a few of the ways to get back to nature in this scenic park where visitors can also tour Roosevelt’s own cabin.

For a different kind of outdoor adventure, switch to two – or three – wheels and pedal through the Badlands or throttle up on our scenic byways and backways. North Dakota is home to great scenic rides all across the state, including two national scenic byways.

In North Dakota, history and heritage are found around every turn. Visit Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park to learn what life was like in a frontier military fort, then get a glimpse of Native American life at the park’s On-A-Slant Mandan Indian Village. Witness authentic Indian tribal dancing at the United Tribes International Powwow, held each September in the state capital of Bismarck. While there, journey back in time 600 million years at the State Museum at the North Dakota Heritage Center.

Visit Fargo to view vintage and modern aircraft at the Fargo Air Museum. Immerse yourself in Scandinavian culture at Norsk Høstfest, North America’s largest Scandinavian festival held each year in Minot. Or experience down-home American fun at the Medora Musical, a summertime musical extravaganza presented in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater set against the backdrop of the majestic North Dakota Badlands.

Journey back in time 600 million years at the State Museum at the North Dakota Heritage Center, this newly expanded museum that traces North Dakota’s history from prehistoric times to the present day.

Marvel at the dancing, drumming and pageantry of ancient tribal traditions at the United Tribes International Powwow. This authentic Indian powwow held each autumn in the state capital of Bismarck.

Immerse yourself in Scandinavian culture at North America’s largest such festival, Norsk Høstfest, held each year in Minot. Savor Scandinavian delicacies while enjoying authentic music and entertainment.

Hike, bike or horseback ride along the Maah Daah Hey Trail. This scenic 140-mile trail travels north along the Little Missouri River. mdhta.com

More North Dakota:

Learn more about America’s 26th president and the transformative role his experiences in North Dakota had on his life. Visit Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross cabin, then go camping, hiking and fishing amid the park’s 110 square miles of striking scenery.

Bismarck-Mandan is North Dakota's State Capitol and hosts the United Tribes Technical College International Powwow in September, one of the largest Native American Powwows in North America. Just outside of Mandan is Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, home to the Custer House and On a Slant Mandan Indian village. Mandan hosts the largest rodeo in North Dakota each July.

Fargo, our largest city, is home to ND State University and the largest shopping mall in the state. Scheel’s Sporting Goods is a great stop for any sporting-life enthusiast, take a ride on ND’s only indoor Ferris Wheel. Downtown offers great dining, entertainment and quality accommodations. Fargo is also home to the Fargo Air Museum and hosts national events yearly.

Lake Metigoshe – Turtle Mountain region of North Dakota is along the border with Canada. It is home to the International Peace Garden, Lake Metigoshe State Park, and the Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway. The area is unlike any other is the State, home to poplar forests, hidden lakes and a different type of watchable wildlife.

Bismarck-Mandan, ND

Fargo-Moorhead, ND

Map

Best Time to Go

Summer: Early June – late September;
Winter: December- early April.

Climate

Few serious discussions about North Dakota end without talking about the weather. A common misconception is that it always is cold in North Dakota. It comes as a surprise to many that North Dakota actually has a remarkably long temperate season, including sunny days in June, when the sun rises before 6 a.m. and sets after 9:30 p.m. In addition, North Dakota has over 200 sunny or mostly sunny days per year.